How to Email a GIF

Send that perfect ounce of happiness in GIF form

By
Brenna Miles
Brenna Miles
Brenna Miles
Writer
  • The University of Phoenix
Brenna Miles is a technology writer with a B.A. in Business Management and HR Management. She's been writing about technology for 6+ years.
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Updated on March 27, 2022

What to Know

  • Gmail: Copy GIF link > select Compose > Insert Photo icon > Web Address (URL) > paste URL.
  • Outlook: Select New Email > select Pictures icon > Pictures from File > insert downloaded GIF.
  • Yahoo: Select Compose > select GIF icon > insert GIF.

This article explains how to send animated GIFs through the Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo Mail platforms.

How to Email a GIF Using Gmail

How to Copy and Paste GIF Link in Gmail

  1. Open Gmail and select Compose.

    Compose button in Gmail

  2. Locate the GIF you want to send on a website.You need the GIF's link to copy into Gmail.

    Most links are called "GIF link." If you're stuck, look for a button with "Download Link" or "Media" in front of it.

  3. Copy the GIF's link.

    A GIF Link on a website

  4. Return to Gmail and select the Insert Photo icon in the bottom toolbar of the new email message.

    Insert photo icon at the bottom of a new Gmail message

  5. Select Web Address (URL).

    Gmaiil selection tab for Web Address (URL)

  6. Paste the GIF link into the field. Gmail shows an animated preview of the image. If everything looks good, select Insert.

    A GIF inserted into a Gmail new message

    To resize the GIF, select it and use the blue handles to make it smaller or larger.

  7. Enter the email address, subject line, and text of the email, and your GIF is ready to be sent.

    Although GIFs viewed on the Gmail mobile app are animated, you can't send GIFs using the mobile app.

How to Upload a GIF From Computer in Gmail

  1. Select Insert Photo icon > Upload.

  2. Find the GIF file saved to your computer and insert it into the email.

How to Send a GIF Using Outlook

  1. Once Outlook is open, select New Email to start composing.

    New Email option in Outlook

  2. In the top ribbon, select Pictures.

    Pictures option in Outlook Mail

  3. Choose Picture from File in the drop-down menu.

    Picture from File selection in Outlook

  4. Locate the GIF on your computer and select Insert to place the GIF file in the body of the email.

    GIF inserted into an Outlook email.

  5. Enter the sender address, a subject line, and text of the email, and your Outlook email with GIF is ready to send.

You can also drag and drop .gif files from your computer into an Outlook email.

How to Email a GIF Using Yahoo Mail

How to Use Yahoo's GIF Tool

  1. To find a GIF using the Yahoo tool, open Yahoo mail and select Compose to start a new email.

    Yahoo Mail on desktop

  2. In the bottom toolbar, select the GIF icon. Here, you'll find a collection of popular GIFs.

    Yahoo GIF tool on desktop

    You can choose from these GIFs or search for your own using the search field.

  3. Once you find the perfect GIF, select it to insert it into your email.

    Screenshot of GIF in Yahoo email on desktop

  4. Add the sender, subject line, and text, and your GIF email is ready to go.

How to Use Yahoo's Drag and Drop Feature

  1. Find the GIF you want to use and download it to your computer.

  2. Open a new email screen > Drop the GIF into the email's body.

GIF not animated? Make sure it's a .gif file.

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